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President Bola Tinubu Orders Manhunt for Armed Kidnappers Following Deadly Attacks on Niger State Villages

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for armed kidnappers who launched a series of deadly attacks on four villages in Niger State last Friday. The gunmen, identified as Lakurawa militants, targeted worshippers during Friday prayers, resulting in mass abductions and over 40 deaths. Local residents reported that as many as 600 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were seized during the simultaneous raids on Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida, and Masaka. A video released by the militants showed the captives in a forest, allowing families to identify their relatives. Security experts suggest the violence stems from a growing jihadist rivalry between the Lakurawa and Mahmuda groups over territorial control around Lake Kainji. The administration expressed concern over the worsening insecurity in the Borgu area. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, the president's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the responsible parties would be brought to justice. The attacks highlight the increasing presence of jihadist groups in north-western Nigeria.

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